Like most college students preparing to study abroad, I couldn’t wait for the big weekend trips. I was dreaming about Paris, Barcelona, Morocco, and Budapest, and in the process, I almost overlooked the beautiful, historic city I’d actually be living in: Florence.

Now, six weeks into my twelve-week program, I can honestly say that while traveling is amazing, I’ve fallen in love with making the most of my time in Florence during the week. One of the best ways to do that has been signing up for Viva experiences through SAI.
Each week, SAI sends out a newsletter with a list of upcoming Viva experiences you can sign up for completely free. It’s such an easy way to try new things, explore the city, and meet people. Here’s how I’d rate the ones I’ve done so far:

Food and Wine Tasting
My roommates and I signed up for this together, and it ended up being my favorite activity so far. We visited the wine cellar of a local restaurant, where we sampled locally made olive oil, balsamic vinegar, three types of wine, and a variety of meats and cheeses paired with each one. The owner even gave us a short lesson on how the wines were made, which made the whole experience feel more personal. Easily a 10/10.

Painting Class
As someone who doesn’t consider themselves artistic, I was surprised by how much I loved this class; so much so that I did it twice, once with my roommates and once on my own. The teacher is incredibly kind and walks you through each step, making it feel approachable and fun. We painted two different pieces: a Tuscan hillside landscape created by Leonardo da Vinci (the same background seen in the Mona Lisa) and the iconic iris flower, a historic symbol of Florence. Another 10/10.

Book Binding
I went into this one with zero expectations and honestly only signed up because there was an open spot. It ended up being such a rewarding experience. We learned how to bind and sew our own journals using locally made paper, a marbled cover, thread, and a needle. The instructor was patient and encouraging, even for those of us who weren’t crafty. I did this one solo and not only left with a handmade journal, but also a few new friends. It can be a bit challenging if you’re not into hands-on activities, but it’s still worth trying. 8.5/10.

Street Food Tour
This is one of the most popular Viva experiences, and for good reason. The SAI guides take you around different neighborhoods, stopping at local spots to try a variety of foods. I chose the tour closest to my apartment, and it introduced me to dishes I probably wouldn’t have ordered on my own (and ended up loving). We finished with gelato at a place I’ll definitely be returning to. I did this one by myself and still had a great time meeting new people, but it would also be really fun with friends. 9/10.

There are still so many Viva experiences I’m hoping to try, like cooking classes, yoga, perfume blending, the opera, and pizza making. SAI also offers day trips around Italy that include transportation, meals, and unique activities. If you’re studying abroad in Florence, take advantage of as many Viva experiences as you can. They’re already included in your program, and they’re one of the easiest and fun ways to fully experience Italian culture and make your time here even more memorable.